Posts Tagged ‘Personal’

Mental Illness – something we refuse to talk about.

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

This post has nothing to do with technology, and it’s all about the personal side of this blog.  I hope you will indulge me  as it’s about something very important to many people in our world. 

There’s a video below I’d like you all to watch and share.  It’s a presentation that a friend of mine did recently at a TEDx session about how she has suffered from mental illness.  It’s about how she has struggled with it day to day and amazingly it’s about how she is winning in her battle with it.  She throws out the thought that mental illness is not something that people talk about at all.  She’s right.  No one wants to talk about it.  And they should.  For years I have suffered from depression, but I too am winning my battles.  Ambers inspiring talk below cuts to the root of the issues around mental illness and gives a few clues to those that don’t suffer from it on how to handle people that do.  I think there’s something in there for everyone.

Thank you Amber for being a friend.  Thank you Amber for having the balls to speak up about it.  Thank you for doing such an amazing job.

 

Tags:
Posted in Blog | 2 Comments »

SMB 150 Announced – I’m on it!

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

SMBNation have announced the SMB 150 list.  From the total list of over 400 nominations from around the world, they’ve selected via a combination of public vote and a private judging panel, the top 150 SMB influencers and community contributors.  Many people ran large “Elect Me/ Vote for me” campaigns, which whilst funny to watch, made me think of the current US election process… not something I’m all that fond of.  I blogged about my nomination at the beginning and then at the end reminded people of the closing days via my personal Facebook… I know people that really had fun with it and after a while it became a little wearing to see every post from them about the “vote for me” idea…

I’ve been however very happily surprised to see that the organisers of the SMB 150, have taken the public vote as being only 40% of the entire selection process, with the other 60% being a judging panel of SMB industry that should well know the nominated people and their true influence on the community. 

I’m so very honoured to be in the top 150 list and whilst I won’t likely make the award ceremony, will be there in spirit for sure!  Congratulations to all the other awardees!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Blog | No Comments »

What a busy time!

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Ok – firstly an apology from me.  I’ve not posted anything on the site now for nearly 2 weeks.  That for me is pretty strange indeed, as I’m normally posting a heap of things and even at times have articles queued up for weeks in advance.  So what happened?

Well over the last 2 weeks, I’ve had quite a few projects with both SBS and non SBS clients as well as a fairly interesting DR that was not expected, so it threw things out of whack a bit too.  The next few weeks are also looking quite busy as we’ve got 3 x 4 day weeks here in Australia with a 4 day weekend for the Easter weekend and then of course ANZAC day on 25th April to remember those brave souls that fought to keep Australia what a great place it is.

Anyway – stay tuned – I’ve got a lot of cool things in the queue for the blog and a few surprises too.  Thanks for sticking with me guys!

Tags:
Posted in Blog | No Comments »

Valentines Day – what does it mean to you?

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Valentines Day means a lot to different people.  Aside from the romantic connotations, for me, it’s a reminder.  In 1997 on Valentines day I started Correct Solutions.  Originally I started the business with a guy named David, but after 18 months he left the business and I continued it on.  I know along the way there’s been many a time that I’ve thought “it’s not worth it…” but in the end the people around me have helped keep things going.  One such person is a guy I met in the SBS community many years ago… Ryan Spillane is his name – in 2005, I went through a particularly rough patch and contemplated closing the business with it’s 8 staff… Ryan thought was the voice of reason… firstly as a friend but then a business partner.  What a great decision that was.  Correct Solutions has grown and now on it’s 15th birthday has over 20 staff with two offices in Sydney with more in the pipeline.  We’ve grown not only by ourselves, but also with our customers.  Over the last few years when many small SMB IT businesses have gone under, Correct Solutions have maintained a steady growth rate.  We’ve been rated in the top 50 IT businesses in Australia consistently for the past few years.  We’ve done that not by accident, but by considered thought as to where we are going and how we will get there.  We’ve invested in things that others have feared to do.  We continue to look forwards to see where technology is going and how ewe can get the best of it for our customers.  Ultimately it’s our customers that make us who we are.  Without them we’d not be in business after all.  They’ve had the faith to take on the things we’ve suggested.  They’ve had the guts to go with s on some “interesting adventures” that have paid off for us all.

So on Valentines Day, I not only send a shout out to my lovely lady, but I also send out a big thanks of appreciation for my friend and business partner Ryan.  Thanks mate!

Tags: ,
Posted in Blog | No Comments »

Credit Card skimming sucks – Have you ever had your Credit Card skimmed?

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

Until today I could say no.  This afternoon we received a call here at home.  The bank was calling to find out if we had indeed purchased over $3000 of gear at various Apple Stores around Sydney during the day… Naturally the answer was No.  The Banks Fraud division already knew that though and were going to cancel the AMEX card on that account.  Great – No issue with that.  Now here’s the problem.  The Bank KNOWS that the transactions were fraudulent – in fact it was them that told us that the card must have been skimmed.  However, WE have to wait for paperwork to come from the bank, then submit it to them and wait a further 7-10 days BEFORE they will reverse the charges on our account.  Hang on… the Bank called US to tell us it was fraud, yet they can’t / won’t reverse the charges until WE do paperwork… and then only 7-10 days later?  Seems wrong, but that is their procedure.  Oh… and here’s the good bit… the $3000 of charges has placed this account (that has other cards on it that are not at risk), over it’s limit… therefore rendering all other cards unable to be used.  The only solution is for ME to pay the $3000 to get it back UNDER it’s limit…. does not seem right does it?

Wait – it gets better… we went online to the bank to see if we can see the transaction history for the account.  The Bank has removed our access to the account for the moment and will return it once investigations are complete.  Yes – this is the same bank who has removed everyone’s statements due to a security flaw they were told about over 9 months ago…

For the record too and here’s the scary bit, this particular credit card has only existed for the last 3 months… and it’s only been used in our direct sight AND at reputable organisations, like the big supermarkets and such… so now we are left wondering just where this card was skimmed… and also how safe the replacement card will be.

Oh – for the record… the Bank I’m talking about is the ANZ bank.  Not happy about it at all… but I’m stuck with them for now…

Tags:
Posted in Blog | 2 Comments »

Credit Card skimming sucks – Have you ever had your Credit Card skimmed?

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

Until today I could say no.  This afternoon we received a call here at home.  The bank was calling to find out if we had indeed purchased over $3000 of gear at various Apple Stores around Sydney during the day… Naturally the answer was No.  The Banks Fraud division already knew that though and were going to cancel the AMEX card on that account.  Great – No issue with that.  Now here’s the problem.  The Bank KNOWS that the transactions were fraudulent – in fact it was them that told us that the card must have been skimmed.  However, WE have to wait for paperwork to come from the bank, then submit it to them and wait a further 7-10 days BEFORE they will reverse the charges on our account.  Hang on… the Bank called US to tell us it was fraud, yet they can’t / won’t reverse the charges until WE do paperwork… and then only 7-10 days later?  Seems wrong, but that is their procedure.  Oh… and here’s the good bit… the $3000 of charges has placed this account (that has other cards on it that are not at risk), over it’s limit… therefore rendering all other cards unable to be used.  The only solution is for ME to pay the $3000 to get it back UNDER it’s limit…. does not seem right does it?

Wait – it gets better… we went online to the bank to see if we can see the transaction history for the account.  The Bank has removed our access to the account for the moment and will return it once investigations are complete.  Yes – this is the same bank who has removed everyone’s statements due to a security flaw they were told about over 9 months ago…

For the record too and here’s the scary bit, this particular credit card has only existed for the last 3 months… and it’s only been used in our direct sight AND at reputable organisations, like the big supermarkets and such… so now we are left wondering just where this card was skimmed… and also how safe the replacement card will be.

Oh – for the record… the Bank I’m talking about is the ANZ bank.  Not happy about it at all… but I’m stuck with them for now…

Tags:
Posted in Blog | 1 Comment »

Merry Christmas from SBSfaq

Sunday, December 25th, 2011

Just a brief Christmas post to wish you all a very merry Christmas.  Christmas day for me is one starting with my traditional breakfast BBQ.  This year we’ll have 15 people being feed direct off the grill with bacon, sausages, eggs, and anything else we decide to throw on the barbie.  I hope that this Christmas brings everyone closer to their loved ones.  It’s been a hard year for many and it’s time we take a break from the humdrum of work and stop.  Just for a day.  To be with the ones we love and appreciate them more.

For those that don’t celebrate Christmas, I still give you the best wishes for you, and your families.  See you in 2012.

Tags:
Posted in Blog | No Comments »

What a cool Christmas gift for a geek

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

Each year at Christmas, I buy myself something small just for me.  This year, I decided it was time for a new watch.  I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but I wanted a watch that did more than just tell the time.  Last week while onsite, one of my customers (also a fellow geek gadget guy) showed me his new watch.  It was an iPod Nano combined with a wrist band.

Naturally this is more than a watch.  It’s also a music player, voice recorder, radio and a fitness tracker as well.  All available via the touch screen.  Whats more is that it’s also a USB drive too which means you can literally carry special information around with you.  Very cool.  I bought mine from Dick Smith Electronics – they have a special on right now that includes the watch band. You can also buy alternate watch bands as well from many places – here’s one of them that I’ve gotten mine from iwatchz.

So if you are looking for that last minute geek gift, have a look at this – very cool.

Have a great Christmas everyone.  I’ll be taking a few days off so the blog will be quiet till the new year.  Happy 2011.

Tags: ,
Posted in Blog | 3 Comments »

Microsoft MVP awarded again – 11 years running

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

Wow… It’s that time of the year again when Microsoft announce the MVP awards.  I just received email from them indicating that I’ve been nominated for another year of service to the community.  Thank you.  Below is what Steve Ballmer says of the MVP community.  In particular the thing I value the most is being an independent voice to Microsoft of the views of the community.  In that respect I’ve always tried to “beat them up” when it’s needed and at the same time, give them positive feedback when they’ve done well.

As the independent voice of users worldwide, your influence on technical communities is felt in many ways—enhancing people’s lives and contributing to our industry’s success. We’re deeply grateful to you for sharing your feedback, comments, answers, and expertise with technical communities. In recognition of your commitment, Microsoft is pleased to honor you with the Most Valuable Professional Award. Thank you for empowering the community with your outstanding leadership!

Steven A. Ballmer
Chief Executive Officer
Microsoft Corporation

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Blog | No Comments »

Man on a mission…

Monday, July 18th, 2011

Ok – so over the next three weeks, you might find my postings on the site to be a little light on.  You see – I’m going to be spending this week at Microsoft in Redmond playing with some great cool, upcoming Microsoft products that I can’t talk about.  I’m sure you could guess at what they might be, but I cannot confirm anything due to the heavy NDA. Smile

The following two weeks will be a little R&R for me.  I’m heading up to Alaska to enjoy some time hiking and maybe even some camping in Denali National Park.  There will be photos yes – but I’m not expecting to be online much at all during that time as I take some time out to refocus on life the universe and everything. 

This trip is all about sharpening the saw as they say – many SMB resellers don’t take enough time to do that and as a result end up working so very ineffectively.  I’m so very guilty of this over the past 15 years of running my own business, and over the last few years have started to take control of things once more.  It’s an empowering feeling really to be able to climb that hill of problems and stand on the top of it.  It allows you a clarify of view that gives you the ability to see far around you in so many ways.  If you don’t know what I’m talking about when I say “Sharpening the saw” then check out this link here and this one too.  As Stephen Covey says…

Feeling good doesn’t just happen. Living a life in balance means taking the necessary time to renew yourself. It’s all up to you. You can renew yourself through relaxation. Or you can totally burn yourself out by overdoing everything. You can pamper yourself mentally and spiritually. Or you can go through life oblivious to your well-being. You can experience vibrant energy. Or you can procrastinate and miss out on the benefits of good health and exercise. You can revitalize yourself and face a new day in peace and harmony. Or you can wake up in the morning full of apathy because your get-up-and-go has got-up-and-gone. Just remember that every day provides a new opportunity for renewal–a new opportunity to recharge yourself instead of hitting the wall. All it takes is the desire, knowledge, and skill.

I’m tired of telling people that I’m too busy.  I’m tired of being tired.  I’m taking control and doing something about it.  Have you got the same determination or will you continue to slave away at your business without taking time to sharpen the saw?

There will be a regular stream of posts on the site though thanks to WordPress’s ability to schedule things for release into the future. I hope you find them worthwhile.  If you email me during this time, i might well be slower to respond.  See you in August!

Tags:
Posted in Blog | 2 Comments »